Investigation: What Factors Influence the Rate of Evolution?

Objective: In this lab, you will use a computer simulation
to track a population of organisms as they evolve. The simulation allows you to change certain features of your population, like mutation rate and selection strength. Your goal is to gather data, graph the data and analyze which factors influence the rate of evolution.

Instructions

2. Read the introduction and the contents
to learn about the imaginary creatures you will be studying and how to operate
the simulator. You may also want to look at the help link.

3. Open the simulator and practice using
the controls before you go on to the real simulation. Be sure to "reset"
the simulator when you're finished practicing.

Simulation A - Question: How does increasing the mutation rate affect the evolution of your population?

Prediction: As the mutation rate increases, the rate of evolution [ increases / decreases / stays the same ].

Experiment: Run four trials, each having a different mutation rate. Mutation rate can be adjusted under "settings," leave selection strength at .8 for all of the trials. Run four trials, each having a different mutation rate.

HS- LS4-2 Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment

Credits: Special thanks to Leif Saul, author
of Biology in Motion and the creator of the Evolution Lab.